This is a candid and touching article about Viviane Forest's career and is a glimpse into the Viviane I know. Thank you for writing one of the best articles I've seen on Viviane's retirement Jake - Carrie

There were no medals at stake onthe final career run of three-timeParalympic gold medallist VivaneForest at last month’s Para-AlpineCanadian Championships, yet thenerves still rippled through her.

Forest announced her retirement from para-sport on 29 March, but she knew the 2012-13 season would be her last before it even began.

When speaking to crowds, "One of my main messages I tell them is that whatever you like to do in life, follow your passion, never give up and always believe in yourself," Forest said. "Make sure you have the right people around you to give you the chance to accomplish your dreams."

Viviane Forest announced her retirement from Alpine Ski racing at the National Championshps held in Sun Peaks, BC March 27-31, 2013. Viviane is skiing GS and Slalom at this tournament. She is having a great time saying good bye to old friends and making new ones. She met Senator Nancy Greene on the hill and they hit it off (of course). Alpine Canada released a video of Viviane's honorary run with Nany Green. One champ with another!

ALPINE CANADA APLIN March 29, 2013: Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team member Viviane Forest skis a farewell run with Nancy Greene Raine after announcing her retirement from para-alpine ski racing. The Youtube link to the Nancy Green run can be found here http://youtu.be/gUM9_Y5GyS4

Viviane is an athlete who has no fear. She loves speed. Viviane has determination and courage to do the things she does and she excels at athletic pursuits. This video shows you how they ski so fast. You can hear the communication, team work, and Vi yelling "Go! Go!" from the rear. Communication and preparation are key to a successful race. Paralympians commonly ski on the same race course that the Olympians do.

Viviane and her guide use a 2 way radio communication system though sometimes it does not work in the severe cold. Voice commands help Viviane navigate the race courses at speeds up to 120km/hr. Her guide who skis infront, relays messages about when to turn in order to round the gates, the slope and other terrain changes including when to stop. Viviane tells her guide when she has lost them in her visual sight and when to speed up. Viviane's guide needs to be a better technical skier than Viviane so that they will safely and successfully ski the race gates while looking behind at Viviane. Missing a gate is a disqualification. Both athletes must finish the course and Viviane must not pass her guide{jcomments on}